We chose to go Carnival because we had so much fun on our other two cruises with them.  I always check a ship out on Cruisecritic before I book and the Freedom loooked to have a 4+ rating. Shame on me for not reading more of the indiiviual reviews.  First off let me say that the ship is rather gawdy with so many patterns happening on the floors, walls, and ceilings, as others have noted.  However, the ship was well maintained.  It was in great shape and continually being cleaned.  I am a neat freak so I appreciated that.

The staff could not have been friendlier.  From our excellent room steward, to our waiters, to the bar staff.  All were there to please you.  Our wait staff did a fine job in the Chic Dining Room. My one son ate at least two appetizers and two main entrees each night.  They were right on top of things.  They always took the time to talk to us after dessert.  The food choices weren't as lengthy as on some cruise lines, but the food was always hot and delicious! Don't forget to have the hot chocolate melting cake at least one night.  My mom ate it every night! We had three rooms of people.  One in an inside cabin, and two in balconys.  Again, if you can get past the bright orange and yellows of the walls and paintings, the rooms are nice.  They all were descent sized and had plenty of closet and cabinet spaces.So now comes the reason I will not sail the Freedom again unless the cruise director John goes to another ship. This is suppose to be a fun ship!  On my other CCL cruises there were numerous activities to choose from on any given day.  Well let me tell you it isn't so on the Freedom, folks.  If you are not into trivia, plan on intertaining yourself.  I didn't know there were so many different kinds of trivia.  Movie trivia, sports trivia, character trivia, Disney trivia, million dollar trivia, generations trivia, trivia, trivia, trivia, and more trivia!  We like to have fun and sometimes you need a break from the casino and the bars.  Good luck with that on this ship.  Usually on sea days, there are too many activities happening and you need to pick the ones you really want to do.  Don't worry about it on the Freedom.  They never even had games by the pool or any of the silly things like hairy legs contests.What about the shows?  Well I'm glad you asked.  Of our eight days, three nights only had a 10:30 show.  Good luck getting 3,600 people in there.  The comedian wasn't funny and the magician put you to sleep.  Two of the three dance and song reviews were very enjoyable.Again let me state that the ship and the crew were wonderful.  Just plan on intertaining yourself on the Freedom.